Our Summer 2026 musical is The Wizard of Oz , performed on the Syracuse High Stage!

We’re looking for some talented creatives to fill the following roles in our production team for this classic show!

Producer (Must be a member of Syracuse City Arts Council)

With the team’s help, the producer is responsible for coordinating everything that does not involve the acting onstage. The producer will need excellent organizational skills, as well as the powers of persuasion! Key responsibilities might include:

• Managing the production budget
• Securing the date and location for the performance
• Securing audition and rehearsal locations
• Liaising with the Arts Council, Syracuse City employees, and Davis School District
• Managing the front of house team (House Manager, Ushers, etc.)
• Overseeing the promotion and sales of tickets

Director

The director is the person in charge of everything that happens onstage. The director will need to be a great communicator and someone with a creative eye! Key responsibilities might include:

• Casting the actors (along with the assistant director and other members of the creative team)
• Giving direction to the actors, guiding them on their performance, such as body language, tone of voice, and movements on stage
• Having the final say on all the artistic decisions of the performance
• Working closely with a stage manager and stage team
• Creating a rehearsal schedule

Assistant Director

An assistant director helps the director with the cast. Key responsibilities might include:

• Rehearsing alternative scenes with different actors while the director is rehearsing with other cast members
• Taking notes throughout rehearsals
• Ensuring everyone is in the right place at the right time

Music Director

Music is a great way to add life to a production. Music directors oversee many aspects of a musical theater production, including casting performers, rehearsing singers, and working closely with the pit orchestra director. The music director will need to have experience with vocal coaching, strong piano skills, and be able to work closely with the creative team to develop an overall vision for the production. Key responsibilities might include:

• Assisting in the casting of performers, including running music callbacks
• Overseeing music rehearsals
• Working with soloists and small groups
• Liaising between the orchestra director and members of the cast

Choreographer

A Choreographer designs and directs the dance or stylized movement in musical productions, working closely with the director and musical director. A choreographer works with dancers to interpret and develop ideas and transform them into the finished performance. The choreographer must be creative and have a strong background in dance performance. Key responsibilities may include:

• Creating interesting and effective choreography and movement that tells the story onstage
• Assisting in the casting of the performers, including running dance callbacks
• Overseeing choreography rehearsals
• Working with performers closely in training and teaching them dance movement

Stage Manager

Every good director has a GREAT stage manager! The stage manager is often the first point of contact for the cast. The stage manager is the director’s right hand in facilitating rehearsals. Key responsibilities might include:

• Preparing the rehearsal space
• Setting up materials onstage, including props
• Prompting – keeping the script on hand to call out any forgotten lines
• Ensuring everything backstage goes smoothly during performances
• Thinking about prop and set changes throughout the production (including who will be responsible for moving items, i.e., actors or backstage crews)
• Creating the rehearsal schedule with the director
• Communication with the cast

Set Designer and Stage Crew

The set designer will work closely with the director to make the director’s vision of the show a reality. The set designer and stage manager (and their crew) will think about the entire performance and where things need to be built, designed, and moved onstage to bring the production to life. Key responsibilities might include:

• Designing, building, and painting the set
• Ensuring the health and safety of everyone onstage and backstage
• Deciding (with the director) what backdrops are needed and additional decoration
• Overseeing the set strike after the run of the show
• Ensuring all materials are appropriately stored throughout the production and after the show ends

Props Master

What is a prop? A prop is an object used on stage by actors during a performance. Sometimes there is a fine line between “prop” and “set” and “costume”. The prop master and their team will work closely with the director, set designer, and costume designer to oversee obtaining, creating, and keeping track of props for the performance. Key responsibilities might include:

• Creating or purchasing/renting all props needed for the production
• Keeping props organized and in good repair throughout rehearsals and the run of the show
• Ensuring all props are collected, returned, if borrowed, and properly stored after the show ends

Costume Designers and Make-up Artists

The costume designers and make-up/wig artists help bring the performers to life on stage! Specifically, the costume designers source (and sometimes make) the costumes for the cast. Ultimately, with the director, they get to decide how everyone should be dressed and look throughout the production. Key responsibilities might include:

• Acquiring costumes either by renting/borrowing or making them
• Ensuring all cast members are costumed appropriately for their role
• Keeping costumes in good repair throughout the run of the show
• At the end of the production, make sure all costumes and wigs are cleaned, returned, if borrowed, and stored properly
• Advising cast members on how their hair and make-up should be appropriately styled for the production
• Acquiring and designing any wigs that will be used onstage

Technical Director

The technical director is crucial to the design team to make the show truly magical. They will work closely with the director to bring life and light to the stage. The technical director will need to have experience planning and running a live show’s technical aspects. Key responsibilities may include:

• The design, installation, and operation of the lighting and special electrical effects used in the production. 
• Show where the lighting equipment will be placed
• Produce a light plot specifying the placement and configuration of all instruments used in the production
• Work with the cast and crew to safely and effectively place and use wireless microphones
• Create a mic plot ensuring all cast members can be clearly heard onstage 
• Work with the director and any outside services to run the show smoothly by calling light and sound cues

Publicity Manager

Positive publicity is essential to a successful production. The publicity manager will provide the public with prepared information about the production, cast members, and production team members. They must upkeep a positive perception of the show and the Syracuse City Arts Council in the public eye. Key responsibilities may include:

• Working with the producer and director to design and produce any publicity materials
• Handle press and social media releases
• Assist in advertising, including creating and distributing flyers, posters, t-shirts, etc.
• Create promotional videos 

All positions on this production team are volunteer. Each member is responsible for making purchases to fulfill their production responsibilities. Purchases will be reimbursed within 30 days of receipts being turned in to the producer. All receipts are due within 30 days of the close of the production. Please get in touch with the producer to make other arrangements if you can’t make purchases.